Affirmed splashes home first in the 1979 Woodward at Belmont

Making the penultimate start of his illustrious career, the Harbor View Farm's Affirmed was sent off at 2-5 and did not disappoint his backers as he rolled to a two and a half length victory in the September 22, 1979 Woodward Stakes over a sloppy Belmont Park oval. In his march toward Horse of the Year honors, Affirmed took on a pair of top younger rivals, including that year's Belmont Stakes winner Coastal and the talented Czaravich. Sirlad and Mister Brea rounded out the field of five. Affirmed was trained by Laz Barrera and ridden here by Laffit Pincay, Jr., who finished first aboard Affirmed (with one disqualification) the ten times he ultimately piloted him. Marshall Cassidy has the call.